Keychain reminder device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of reminder apparatuses (e.g., configured to be coupled to a key).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/434,731, filed Jan. 20, 2011, which is incorporated here by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to devices for reminder devices, and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to reminder devices configured to be coupled to a key.

2. Description of Related Art

Various apparatuses are known in the art for providing keychain reminders, such as, for example, those disclosed in (1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,160, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

SUMMARY

This disclosure includes embodiments of keychain reminder apparatuses, kits, and methods of use.

Some embodiments of the present apparatuses comprise: a body having an opening configured to receive a key, and an indicator having a plurality of indications and configured such that one or more one of the plurality of indications can be selected to be viewable by a user; where the body is configured to be removably coupled to a key such that a portion of the key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the key. In some embodiments, the body has a first end and a second end, and is configured such that the opening extends through the first end and toward the second end. In some embodiments, the body is configured such that the opening does not extend through the second end.

Some embodiments further comprise: a holder having a first end configured to be coupled to a key ring, a second end configured to extend into the opening of the body such that the body resists removal of the holder. In some embodiments, the holder comprises a flattened, elongated portion extending from the second end toward the first end. In some embodiments, the flattened, elongated portion comprises a pointed tip and is tapered along at least a portion of its peripheral edge. In some embodiments, at least one of the body and the holder comprises a child-resistant lock configured to couple the body to the holder such that at least one of compressive and rotational forces are required to separate the body from the holder. In some embodiments, the child-resistant lock is configured such that both compressive and rotational forces are required to separate the body from the holder.

In some embodiments, the indications are user-specific. In some embodiments, the indicator is configured such that the indications can be customized by a user. In some embodiments, the body comprises: an outer member having a sidewall defining an elongated channel and a window extending through the sidewall in communication with the elongated channel; and an insert configured to be disposed within the elongated channel, the insert defining the opening of the body, the opening having an elongated cross-sectional shape that is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the elongated channel. In some embodiments, the insert is resilient. In some embodiments, the insert comprises natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or polymer. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the opening has a minimum transverse dimension of between 0.05 and 0.38 inches. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the opening has a cross-sectional area of between 0.01 and 0.38 square inches. In some embodiments, the elongated channel has a circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the elongated channel has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the opening has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, the indicator is configured such that an indication can be mechanically selected from the plurality of indications. In some embodiments, the indicator comprises a sleeve having an outer surface with the plurality of indications, the sleeve movably disposed between the outer member and the insert such that the sleeve can be moved to cause different ones of the plurality of indications to be viewable by a user. In some embodiments, the sleeve can be moved to cause different ones of the plurality of indications to be viewable through the window. In some embodiments, the sleeve comprises a closed, substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the outer member has a slot extending through the sidewall in communication with the elongated channel; the sleeve has one or more protrusions extending from the outer surface such that the one or more protrusions extend into the slot; and the apparatus is configured such that the one or more protrusions can be moved relative to the outer member to cause the sleeve to move relative to the outer member to select at least one indication to be viewable by a user. In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions extend around substantially all of the cross-sectional perimeter of the sleeve.

In some embodiments, the indicator is configured such that an indication can be electronically selected from the plurality of indications. In some embodiments, the indicator comprises a display coupled to the outer member, a selector, and a memory programmable with the plurality of indications such that the selector can be activated to cause different ones of the plurality of indications to be displayed on the display. In some embodiments, the selector is configured to be activated by one or more buttons. In some embodiments, the display is viewable through the window. In some embodiments, the display comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD). In some embodiments, the outer member has one or more selector openings extending through the sidewall in communication with the elongated channel; the apparatus comprises one or more buttons configured to activate the selector, and the one or more buttons extending into the one or more selector openings to permit a user to contact the buttons to select at least one indication to be displayed on the display. In some embodiments, the indicator comprises a speaker, a selector, and a memory configured to store the plurality of indications such that the selector can be activated to cause different ones of the plurality of indications to be played audibly through the speaker. In some embodiments, the indicator comprises a microphone and the memory is configured to receive and store a custom indication such that the custom indication can be played audibly through the speaker.

Some embodiments of the present methods comprise: providing an apparatus (comprising: a body having an opening configured to receive a key, and an indicator having a plurality of indications and configured such that one or more one of the plurality of indications can be selected to be viewable by a user; where the body is configured to be removably coupled to a key such that a portion of the key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the key); selecting one or more of the plurality of indications to be viewable; and coupling the body to a key such that a portion of the key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the key. In some embodiments, coupling is performed prior to selecting. In some embodiments, the key is a car key. In some embodiments, the selected indication corresponds to an object other than the car corresponding to the car key. Some embodiments further comprise: removing the body from the key; and coupling the body to a second key such that a portion of the second key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the second key. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: a holder having a first end configured to be coupled to a key ring, a second end configured to extend into the opening of the body such that the body resists removal of the key; and the method further comprises: removing the body from the key; and coupling the body to the holder such that the second end of the holder extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the holder.

Some embodiments of the present methods comprise: providing any embodiment of the present apparatuses; selecting one or more of the plurality of indications to be viewable; and coupling the body to a key such that a portion of the key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the key.

In any embodiment of the present disclosure, the term “substantially” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what is specified, where the percentage includes 5, 10, and/or 15 percent.

Any embodiment of any of the present devices and kits can consist of or consist essentially of—rather than comprise/include/contain/have—any of the described steps, elements, and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb.

Details associated with the embodiments described above and others are presented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment depicted in the figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the present apparatuses.

FIGS. 2A-2E depict various views of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict side-perspective and exploded-perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of the present apparatuses.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict side-perspective and exploded-perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of the present apparatuses.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with each other. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The term “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a device or kit that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

Further, a device, system, or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be configured in other ways than those specifically described.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2E, shown therein and designated by the reference numeral 10 is one embodiment of the present apparatuses that is configured to be usable with a key 5. FIGS. 2A and 2B depict side-perspective and exploded-perspective views, respectively, apparatus 10. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 comprises a body 14 having an opening 18 configured to receive a key 5, and an indicator 22 having a plurality of indications 26. Indicator 26 is configured such that one or more one of the plurality of indications 26 can be selected to be viewable by a user. For example, in some embodiments, the indicator is configured such that when one or more of the plurality of indications is selected to be viewable, at least a portion (e.g., up to and including all) of the remaining indications are not viewable by a user. In the embodiment shown, body 14 is configured to be removably coupled to a key 5 such that a portion (e.g., the blade) of the key extends into opening 18 and body 14 resists removal of the key. In the embodiment shown, body 14 has a first end 30 and a second end 34, and is configured such that opening 18 extends through first end 30 and toward second end 34 (e.g., such that opening 18 does not extend through second end 34 and/or second end 34 is closed).

In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 is configured such that an indication 26 can be selected to be viewable (e.g., an indication 26 that corresponds to something a user wishes to remember) and the apparatus can be coupled to a key (e.g., a car key) such that if the user attempts to use the key, the user will see the apparatus on the key and can be reminded of the thing the user desired to remember. For example, a student working at a library with a laptop computer could select an indication corresponding to a laptop computer, and couple the apparatus to a car key that will be used when leaving the library, such that the key cannot be used (inserted into a lock or ignition) without removing the apparatus. When the student leaves the library and attempts to start the car with the key that is coupled to the apparatus, the student will see the apparatus with the laptop indication and be reminded of the laptop, giving the student an opportunity to promptly retrieve the laptop if it was forgotten in the library. Alternatively, the student could place the apparatus on a dorm room key that will be used when leaving the library, such that the student will see the apparatus with the laptop indication when attempting to enter the dorm room, prompting the student to promptly retrieve the laptop if it was left in the library (or other location).

In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 further comprises a holder 38 having a first end 42 and a second end 46 configured to extend into opening 18 of body 14 such that the body resists removal of the holder. Holder 38 can be configured to be coupled to a key ring 7 (e.g., via a hole 50, as shown). In the embodiment shown, holder 38 comprises a flattened, elongated portion 54 extending from second 46 end toward first end 42. For example, in the embodiment shown, portion 54 comprises a pointed tip 58 and is tapered along at least a portion of its peripheral edge 62 (e.g., portion 54 is configured as a letter opener).

In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 is configured such that if body 14 is coupled to holder 38, apparatus 10 resists separation of body 14 and holder 38. For example, at least one of body 14 and holder 38 can comprise a child-resistant lock (66, 70) configured to couple the body to the holder such that at least one of compressive and rotational forces are required to separate the body from the holder. For example, in the embodiment shown, the child-resistant lock includes a first portion 66 coupled to (e.g., unitary with) body 14 and a second portion 70 coupled to (e.g., unitary with) holder 38. First lock portion 66 comprises a one or more latches 74, as shown. Second lock portion 70 comprises a cylindrical ring 78 with pins or protrusions (not shown) extending radially inward from an inner surface of ring 78 and corresponding to latches 74; such that if portion 54 extends into opening 18, first end 30 of body 14 can extend into ring 78 toward first end 42 of holder 32. When first end 30 is extended into ring 78, first lock portion 66 and second lock portion 70 can be rotated relative to one another to cause latches 78 to couple to the pins of second lock portion. For example, ring 78 can be configured to rotate relative to portion 54 of holder 38, such that ring 78 can be rotated relative to both portion 54 and body 14 to couple body 14 to holder 38. Once body 14 and holder 38 are coupled together, latches 74 are configured such that both a compressive force (pushing body 14 toward holder 38) and a rotational force (rotating body 14 relative to holder 38 in an opposite direction from that used to couple the body and holder together) are required to separate the body from the holder. In other embodiments, body 14 and holder 38 can comprise materials that result in a magnetic attraction between the body and the holder when they are coupled together (e.g., holder 38 can comprise a magnetic metal, and a body can comprise a magnet). Other embodiments can comprise any suitable structure that resists separation of the body and the holder (e.g., a button on first end 30 of body 14 that depresses when the body is slid onto the holder, and expands outwardly through a hole in ring 78 to securely couple the body to the holder until the button is depressed again).

In the embodiment shown, body 14 comprises: an outer member 82 having a sidewall 86 defining an elongated channel 90 and a window 94 extending through sidewall 86 in communication with elongated channel 90. In the embodiment shown, elongated channel 90 has a circular cross-sectional shape. Outer member can comprise any material that permits apparatus 10 to function as described in this disclosure, such as, for example, metal (aluminum, steel, etc.); polymer (e.g., plastic, nylon, etc.); rubber; alloys; and/or composites. In the embodiment shown, body 14 also comprises an insert 98 configured to be disposed within elongated channel 90. In the embodiment shown, insert 98 defines opening 18, and opening 18 has an elongated (e.g., slot-shaped or rectangular) cross-sectional shape that is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of elongated channel 90.

In the embodiment shown, insert 98 is configured to be resilient (e.g., comprises natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or polymer), and is configured such that opening 18 stretches when a key 5 (or holder 38) is inserted into opening and thus exerts a compressive force on the at least a portion of the key (or holder) to resist separation of the body and key (or holder). For example, in some embodiments, at least one transverse dimension, and/or the cross-sectional area of, at least a portion of opening 18 is smaller than at least one corresponding transverse dimension, and/or the cross-sectional area, of a key 5. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of (e.g., at a point or a distance along the length of) opening 18 has: a minimum transverse width of between 0.05 and 0.1 inches (e.g., equal to, between, or less than, any of: 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, and/or 0.1 inches); and/or a minimum transverse height of between 0.2 and 0.38 inches (e.g., equal to, between, or less than, any of: 0.2, 0.22, 0.24, 0.26, 0.28, 0.3, 0.32, 0.34, 0.36 and/or 0.38 inches). As another example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of (e.g., at a point or a distance along the length of) opening 18 has a cross-sectional area of between 0.01 and 0.38 square inches (in²). In other embodiments, the cross-section of opening 18 may be larger than the cross-section of a key and/or body 14 (e.g., insert 98) may comprise a magnet such that body 14 will be attracted to keys that comprise a magnetic metal to resist separation from the key. In other embodiments, the interior of opening 18 may be defined such that one or more teeth or protrusions extend inward along the length of opening 18 to catch or mechanically interfere with the teeth of a key inserted into opening 18 and thereby resist separation of body 14 and the key.

FIGS. 2C depicts side views of first end 30 of apparatus 10. FIG. 2D depicts a side view of a latch member 100 configured to be coupled to first end 30 in some embodiments of apparatus 10. FIG. 2E depicts first end 30 with latch cap 100 coupled to first end 30 of body 14. In the embodiment shown, latch member 100 slides over insert 98 and/or outer member 82 to be coupled to body 14, and latches 74 extend outward from latch member 100. In other embodiments latches 74 can be formed unitarily with outer member 82.

Indicator 22 can be configured such that an indication 26 can be mechanically selected from the plurality of indications. In the embodiment shown, indicator 22 comprises a sleeve 102 having an outer surface 106 with the plurality of indications 26, such that sleeve 102 can be movably disposed between outer member 82 and insert 98 such that the sleeve can be moved to cause different ones of the plurality of indications to be viewable by a user (e.g., through window 94). In the embodiment shown, sleeve 102 comprises a closed, substantially circular cross-sectional shape (e.g., a tubular shape, as shown). Additionally, in the embodiment shown, outer member 82 has a slot 110 extending through sidewall 86 in communication with elongated channel 90; and sleeve 102 has one or more protrusions 114 extending from outer surface 106 such that protrusions 114 extend into the slot (e.g., and through the slot past the outer surface of sidewall 86). In this way, for example, apparatus 10 is configured such that protrusions 114 can be moved relative to outer member 82 to cause sleeve 102 to move (e.g., rotate) relative to outer member 82 to select at least one indication 26 to be viewable by a user (e.g., through window 86). In the embodiment shown, protrusions 114 extend around substantially all of the cross-sectional perimeter of the sleeve (e.g., such that protrusions 114 form a thumb-wheel that can be moved to rotate sleeve 102 within outer member 102).

In some embodiments, indications 26 can include both text 26 a and icons 26 b. In some embodiments, the indications may be user-specific, such as, for example, specific to an individual user (e.g., the owner of apparatus 10), specific to a category of users (e.g., parents, teachers, students, electricians, etc.), or specific to a group of users (e.g., employees of a company, customers of a store, etc.). In embodiments configured to be user-specific for an individual user, indicator 22 can be configured such that an individual user can customize indications 26 (e.g., can add, remove, and/or create individual indications). In embodiments configured to be user-specific for a category of users (e.g., students), indications 26 may correspond to a number of items known to be used or carried by students (e.g., laptop computer, notebook, books, book bag or backpack, lunch, homework). Likewise, in embodiments configured to be user-specific for a group of users (e.g., employees of a company), indications 26 may correspond to a number of items known or expected (e.g., per company policy) to be used or carried by the group of employees (e.g., tools, hardhat, radio, work order, etc.). Such embodiments may include a plurality of sleeves 102 (e.g., for a plurality of bodies 14 or for each of one or more bodies 14), and may be configured to be customizable (e.g., by the company) to correspond to different groups of employees. For example, sleeve 102 may have a surface that can be written on by a pencil or marker (e.g., permanent or dry-erase) and/or may be provided in a kit that includes stickers (having text and/or icons) each corresponding to one of various objects or other items (e.g., cell phone, laptop computer, trash, pets, etc.).

Some embodiments of the present kits comprise an apparatus 10 and a plurality of sleeves 102 (e.g., with different groups of indications 26, or with space to write or add indications) that may be interchanged in body 14 such that body 14 can have different groups of indications 26. Some embodiments of the present kits comprise an apparatus 10 and a plurality of stickers (e.g., each having an indication 26 thereon, or blank to permit an indication 26 to be written or otherwise added to the sticker) such that the stickers can be added to the sleeve 102 to create a customized group of indications.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict side-perspective and exploded-perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment 10 a of the present apparatuses. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 a is substantially similar in some respects to apparatus 10; and, as such, the differences between apparatus 10 a and 10 are primarily described here. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 a comprises an indicator 22 a that is configured such that an indication 26 can be electronically selected from the plurality of indications. For example, in the embodiment shown, indicator 22 a comprises a display 118 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, etc.) coupled to outer member 82 a, a selector 122, and a memory (not separately shown, but a part of indicator 22 a coupled to display 118 and selector 122). The memory is programmable and/or pre-programmed with the plurality of indications such that selector 122 can be activated to cause different ones of the plurality of indications to be displayed on or by display 118. In the embodiment shown, selector 122 is configured to be activated by one or more buttons 126. As will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art, indicator 22 a may include a processor or controller capable of executing certain logic (e.g., to store and/or select indicators 26, a clock function capable of displaying the time on display 118), which may, for example be incorporated or comprise selector 122).

In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 a is configured such that, if assembled, display 118 is viewable through window 94 in outer member 82 a (e.g., display 118 may extend into and/or through window 94). In the embodiment shown, outer member 82 a comprises one or more selector openings 110 a extending through sidewall 86 in communication with elongated channel 90; and apparatus 10 a comprises one or more buttons 126 configured to activate selector 122. In the embodiment shown, buttons 126 extending into (and/or through) selector opening(s) 110 a to permit a user to contact the buttons to select at least one indication 26 to be displayed on display 118. In the embodiment shown, insert 98 a includes a recess 130 configured to receive indicator 22 a, as shown, such that insert 98 a and outer member 82 a can be coupled together with display 118 viewable through window 94.

In some embodiments, indicator 22 a comprises a speaker (not shown, but e.g., a cone speaker, a piezo-electric speaker, etc.) in addition to or instead of display 122, and the memory is configured to store the plurality of indications such that selector 122 can be activated to cause different ones of the plurality of indications to be played audibly through the speaker. In some such embodiments, indicator 22 a comprises a microphone (not shown, but coupled to the memory, such as, for example, through selector 122 or another processor or controller) and the memory is configured to receive and store a custom indication from the microphone (e.g., spoken by a user) such that the custom indication can be played audibly through the speaker. In such embodiments, buttons 126 can comprise two buttons that in a first mode allow a user to scroll through reminders, and in a second mode (e.g., initiated by holding both buttons for a predetermined period of time) permit a user to record and a play a custom audible indication. In such embodiments, apparatus 10 a can comprise sensor (e.g., a magnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, a button extending into opening 18), configured to detect removal of body 14 from a key such that the selected audible indication is played when body 14 is removed from a key to which it is coupled.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict side-perspective and exploded-perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment 10 b of the present apparatuses. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 b is substantially similar in some respects to apparatus 10 a; and, as such, the differences between apparatus 10 b and 10 a are primarily described here. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 10 b is configured such that elongated channel 90 a has a rectangular (e.g., square) cross-sectional shape. Additionally, outer member 82 b is configured such that window 94 a is large enough to permit selector 122 to be activated through window 94 a (e.g., window 94 a is large enough to permit access to buttons 126). Additionally, in the embodiment shown, ring 78 a is provided with a rectangular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of outer member 82 b, and latches 74 a are configured as protrusions extending outwardly from the outer surface of outer member 82 b, and ring 78 a comprises recesses 134 configured to receive the protrusions of latches 74 a. Apparatus 10 b is configured such that if body 14 b and holder 38 a are pressed together, at least one of ring 78 a and sidewall 86 of outer member 82 b deflect to permit protrusions 74 a to compress and pass into ring 78 a such that protrusions 74 extend into recesses 134 to resist separation of body 14 b and holder 38 a (and such that at least one of ring 78 a and sidewall 86 will deflect to permit separation of body 14 b and holder 38 a upon application of a sufficient force (e.g., 2 lbs)).

Some embodiments of the present apparatuses (e.g., 10, 10 a, 10 b) do not include a holder (e.g., 38, 38 a).

Some embodiments of the present methods comprise: providing any embodiment of the present apparatuses (e.g., 10, 10 a, 10 b); selecting one or more of the plurality of indications to be viewable, such as, for example, through the window (e.g., 94, 94 a); coupling the body (e.g., 14, 14 a, 14 b) to a key (e.g., 5) such that a portion of the key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the key. In some embodiments, coupling the body to the key is performed prior to selecting an indication. In some embodiments, the key is a car key (e.g., corresponding to a car ignition or door lock). In some embodiments, the selected indication corresponds to an object (e.g., a laptop) other than the car corresponding to the car key. Some embodiments comprise removing the body from the key; and coupling the body to a second key (e.g., corresponding to a house door lock) such that a portion of the second key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the second key. Some embodiments comprise removing the body from the key; and coupling the body to a holder (e.g., 38, 38 a) such that the second end of the holder extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the holder.

Additional examples of items to remember include, for example, a cell phone charging (e.g., at home or an office); an umbrella (e.g., at a restaurant); a camera battery charging (e.g., at a hotel); a book or books (e.g., at school); a laptop (e.g., at home or an office); turning off an appliance (e.g., before leaving home); a lunch (e.g., on a counter or in a refrigerator at home); making a phone call (e.g., before leaving an office).

The various illustrative embodiments of devices, systems, and methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims.

The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a body having an opening configured to receive a key, and an indicator having a plurality of indications and configured such that one or more one of the plurality of indications can be selected to be viewable by a user; where the body is configured to be removably coupled to a key such that a portion of the key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the key.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, where the body has a first end and a second end, and is configured such that the opening extends through the first end and toward the second end, but does not extend through the second end.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a holder having a first end configured to be coupled to a key ring, a second end configured to extend into the opening of the body such that the body resists removal of the holder.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, where at least one of the body and the holder comprises a child-resistant lock configured to couple the body to the holder such that at least one of compressive and rotational forces are required to separate the body from the holder.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, where the indicator is configured such that the indications can be customized by a user.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, where the body comprises: an outer member having a sidewall defining an elongated channel and a window extending through the sidewall in communication with the elongated channel; and an insert configured to be disposed within the elongated channel, the insert defining the opening of the body, the opening having an elongated cross-sectional shape that is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the elongated channel.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, where the insert is resilient.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, where the indicator is configured such that an indication can be mechanically selected from the plurality of indications.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, where the indicator comprises a sleeve having an outer surface with the plurality of indications, the sleeve movably disposed between the outer member and the insert such that the sleeve can be moved to cause different ones of the plurality of indications to be viewable by a user.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, where: the outer member has a slot extending through the sidewall in communication with the elongated channel; the sleeve has one or more protrusions extending from the outer surface such that the one or more protrusions extend into the slot; and the apparatus is configured such that the one or more protrusions can be moved relative to the outer member to cause the sleeve to move relative to the outer member to select at least one indication to be viewable by a user.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, where the indicator is configured such that an indication can be electronically selected from the plurality of indications.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, where the indicator comprises a display coupled to the outer member, a selector, and a memory programmable with the plurality of indications such that the selector can be activated to cause different ones of the plurality of indications to be displayed on the display.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, where the indicator comprises a speaker, a selector, and a memory configured to store the plurality of indications such that the selector can be activated to cause different ones of the plurality of indications to be played audibly through the speaker.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, where the indicator comprises a microphone and the memory is configured to receive and store a custom indication such that the custom indication can be played audibly through the speaker.
 15. A method comprising: providing an apparatus comprising: a body having an opening configured to receive a key, and an indicator having a plurality of indications and configured such that one or more one of the plurality of indications can be selected to be viewable by a user; where the body is configured to be removably coupled to a key such that a portion of the key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the key; selecting one or more of the plurality of indications to be viewable; and coupling the body to a key such that a portion of the key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the key.
 16. The method of claim 15, where coupling is performed prior to selecting.
 17. The method of claim 15, where the key is a car key.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising; removing the body from the key; and coupling the body to a second key such that a portion of the second key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the second key.
 19. The method of claim 15, where the apparatus comprises: a holder having a first end configured to be coupled to a key ring, a second end configured to extend into the opening of the body such that the body resists removal of the key; and the method further comprises: removing the body from the key; and coupling the body to the holder such that the second end of the holder extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the holder.
 20. A method comprising: providing an apparatus of claim 1; selecting one or more of the plurality of indications to be viewable; coupling the body to a key such that a portion of the key extends into the opening and the body resists removal of the key. 